Page 38 of Deepest Obsession

I tense at that voice. Tristan.

Jesus Christ, I really am back in high school.

“What the hell, man?” Blaze steps back, holding me at arm’s length so he doesn’t stain my dress.

Tristan’s eyes flash. “Really, it was an accident. I just wasn’t paying attention.” He turns toward me. “Surprised to see you here. Alexander hasn’t finished his fun with you yet?”

“Fuck off, Goodwin.” Any trace of humor has disappeared from Blaze’s face, and his tone is as sharp as a razor.

“Or what?” Tristan looks him up and down. “Besides, you need to get yourself cleaned up. Shall we finish the dance, Sophia?”

I don’t give him the satisfaction of a reply. Instead, I scan the room for Alexander and Dominic. They aren’t where they were a few minutes ago. Turning, I catch them disappearing down a hallway.

What the actual hell.

Tristan and Blaze are having a standoff of sorts, both glaring and throwing insults at each other. So I slip away, quietly exiting the ballroom.

Muffled voices come from behind a half-open door, and just as I’m about to burst in, I stop at the anger in Dominic’s tone.

“You’re being an idiot, Alex. Dragging her into this? She deserves better.”

“I’ve got it under control.”

“Under control?” Dominic practically shouts. “Vanessa might be a menace, but Tristan? He’s out for blood. You should’ve waited until you had your shit together before going after her.”

Alexander says something I don’t quite make out, and Dominic snorts in response.

“She was safe, living her own little life. But now? Alex, you know how far Tristan has gone in the past. You’re fucking around with her life. He’ll do anything to get to you.”

My hand falls away from the door. Whose life? Mine? What the hell is going on?

There’s silence for a few seconds, and I can imagine the two men glaring at each other. Then Dominic says, “Look, at least tell Vanessa to fuck off. You broke Sophia’s heart once, and if you do it again, I’ll beat you to a bloody pulp.”

I shiver. There’s absolutely no indication in Dominic’s voice that he’s joking. Just anger—a lot of anger.

“You know I can’t. She’s close to Tristan, and we might need her.”

“Then figure something out, Alex!”

“I’m not losing Soph again, Dominic. I love her.”

“Then start acting like it, you fuckwit.” There’s a dull hitting noise, and I can only imagine that Alexander just got slapped on the back of the head. “Take care of Vanessa before she tries anything stupid.”

I lean against the wall, taking shallow breaths.

Did I hear Alexander correctly?

He loves me.

I shake my head. No. No, that’s not possible. We’ve barely seen each other in years. Maybe he’s obsessed, but love? Love?

The two men continue arguing, but I barely register their voices. My mind is reeling, going back and forth between Alexander loves me and Why the fuck is my life in danger?

After a few more minutes of Alexander and Dominic’s harsh voices lashing out at each other, I realize I need to get out of here before I get caught. I have a feeling this isn’t a conversation I’m meant to hear.

With quiet steps, I head back into the ballroom and snag a flute of champagne off a tray from a passing server. Finally. Hopefully some alcohol will help me deal with the disaster that tonight is becoming.

I do my best to stay out of sight, looking for Blaze—hell, I’d even go for Felix right now.